Celestial object location device

ABSTRACT

A hand-held electronic celestial object-locating device assists in identifying a celestial object or directing a user to a desired celestial object. The device is useful for locating or identifying any celestial object including stars, constellations, planets, comets, asteroids, artificial satellites, and deep sky objects to name a few. The device utilizes sensors for 3-axis magnetic field and 3-axis gravitational field detection. The device utilizes a processor and an electronic database to perform the required calculations. The device&#39;s database may be updated through access to the Internet through which the updates may be purchased.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation in part of U.S. application Ser. No.09/511,400, filed Feb. 23, 2000, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,366,212, whichclaims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/122,711, filedMar. 3, 1999.

FIELD OF THE INVENTIONS

This invention relates to astronomy, specifically to an electronicdevice capable of locating and identifying celestial objects.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTIONS

People have always been fascinated with the heavens. They have beencited for the origins of the universe and life. Stars and constellationsare the basis of fables, myths, and stories in almost every culture onthe earth. The stars are used as indicators of peoples, future by some.Sailors and other travelers rely on certain stars and constellations asindicators of position and direction. Further, there is an enormousamount of professional and hobbyist interest in the stars.

Both professionals and hobbyists use celestial object identifyingdevices to locate a star, constellation, planet, comet, asteroid,artificial satellite, deep sky object or other heavenly objects, whichshall be referred to collectively as celestial objects. Some existingcelestial object identifying devices function by using a combination ofmechanical electrical or pre-tabulated charts or tables.

U.S. Pat. No. 3,863,365 to Moliard discloses a method which uses a flatspinning disc that contains a pictorial representation of a celestialhemisphere containing constellations and stars. The user must rotate thedisc to the current time and date, and then orient himself or herselfwith the proper compass direction. Identification of a celestial objectis attempted by the user comparing the sky with the celestial hemispherepictorial representation. This method proves rather difficult to locatea celestial object, in that the sky and the pictorial representation ofthe celestial hemisphere are two different scales. Additionally, thedisc contains a flattened perspective of the celestial hemisphere makingit difficult to judge at what angle of declination one would locate thedesired celestial object. Further, the sky contains many more celestialobjects than the pictorial representation can possibly contain, makingit difficult to determine which pattern of stars on the pictorialrepresentation corresponds to a particular region of the sky.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,704,653 to Lee discloses a pictorial representation ofthe celestial hemisphere in which is incorporated an electronic compass.The electronic compass identifies which region of the sky the operatorof the Lee device is facing. The compass assists in pointing to theapproximate azimuth of the celestial object. However, the task ofdetermining the proper declination, and performing a mental translationfrom a set of maps, to the particular region of the sky one isobserving, is still handled unaided by the operator. This leaves most ofthe work in locating a celestial object to the operator.

U.S. Pat. No. 4,938,697 to Mayer contains a somewhat clumsy andcomplicated mechanical method of directly observing a region of the skywithout a map. It requires a good deal of understanding of the devicesworkings to obtain any success. In addition, it can only locate astar-group or constellation.

U.S. Pat. No. 4,970,793 to Atamian contains a method for location ofstars and constellations, yet it requires manual alignment of a sphereoriented with the sky to work properly. It also has the same scaledifference problem mentioned above in regard to U.S. Pat. No. 3,863,365and leaves much ambiguity in observing heavenly bodies.

Thus, there is a need for a more user-friendly device to locatecelestial objects.

SUMMARY

An improved celestial object-locating device has been discovered. In anaspect of the invention, a device allows a user to point the device at acelestial object and the device announces to the user of the celestialobject's identity. In another aspect of the invention, the user directsthe device to find a desired celestial object. This is done through aview port and the instrument detects the geographical location orposition of the user, the time, and the azimuth and nadir of thedirection of the view port automatically, resulting in a simple to usecelestial object location device. Other embodiments of the inventioncomprise combinations of the above aspects. These aspects of theinvention eliminate the disadvantages of the prior art concerning scaleand translation from a celestial map. Further, in an aspect of theinvention, the device is hand-held or attached to a computational devicesuch that the device is portable.

In an aspect of the invention, a celestial object location (COL) deviceor for viewing from a location at a time and a date comprises a meansfor viewing an object (a viewing means), a processor, a 3-axis magneticsensor, a 3-axis gravitational sensor, a location means, a time means,and a database. The viewing means assists a user of the COL device inobserving along a viewing axis defined by an azimuth angle and a nadirangle. The 3-axis magnetic sensor is adapted to provide the processorwith azimuth data representing the azimuth angle. The 3-axisgravitational sensor is adapted to provide the processor with nadir datarepresenting the nadir angle. The locations means provides location datarepresenting the location to the processor. The time means provides timeand date data representing the time and date to the processor. Thedatabase is adapted to be accessed by the processor and provide datasuch that the processor determines celestial coordinates of rightascension and declination corresponding to the viewing axis based on theazimuth data, the nadir data, the location data, and the time and datedata.

In a further aspect of the invention, the viewing means comprises aviewing channel adapted to enable a user to observe through the devicealong the viewing axis.

In a further aspect of the invention, there is a direction indicatoradapted to announce directions to change the angular orientation viewingaxis, wherein the direction indicator is further adapted to becontrolled by the processor and comprises a visual indicator, anauditory indicator, or a tactile indicator.

In a still further aspect of the invention, the direction indicator isadapted to be controlled by the processor, comprises an illuminate-ablevisual display that is viewable by the user when the user is observingthrough the viewing channel, and is adapted to illuminate at least aportion of the visual display such that a user changes the viewing axisbased, on the illuminated visual display. The visual display may be acircularly arranged series of illuminate-able arrows, wherein theprocessor and the arrows are adapted such that the processor directs aleast a portion of the arrows to be illuminated.

In an aspect of the invention, a reticule is present and adapted to beviewable by the user when the user is observing through the viewingchannel.

In an aspect of the invention, the viewing means comprises a displayscreen adapted to display an image observed along the viewing axis.Furthermore, there may be a direction indicator adapted to announcedirections to change the angular orientation viewing axis, wherein thedirection indicator is further adapted to be controlled by the processorand comprises a visual indicator, an auditory indicator, or a tactileindicator.

In an aspect of the invention, the device comprises a housing andwherein the viewing means comprises a viewing channel extending throughthe housing and adapted to permit a user to observe through the viewingchannel along the viewing axis. In a further aspect of the invention,the processor is spaced apart from the housing. In an additional aspectof the invention, the housing is adapted to be held by the user whilethe user is observing through the viewing channel.

In a further aspect of the invention the COL device comprises adirection indicator adapted to announce directions to change the angularorientation of the viewing axis, wherein the direction indication isfurther adapted to be controlled by the processor and comprises a visualindicator, an auditory indicator, or a tactile indicator. This COLdevice may further comprise a user interface adapted for the user toinput an identification of a celestial object or celestial coordinatesto the processor. Additionally, the processor and the database isadapted such that the processor directs the user via the directionindicator to change the angular orientation of the viewing axis suchthat the viewing axis is aligned with the celestial object or thecelestial coordinates, wherein the data base comprises data associatingthe identification of the celestial object with the celestial object'scelestial coordinates.

In still further aspects of the invention, the processor is adapted toannounce to the user via the direction indicator that the viewing axisis aligned with the celestial object or the celestial coordinates.Additionally, the user interface may be adapted for the user to input anidentification of a celestial object comprising multiple celestialcoordinates. In this case, the processor and the database is adaptedsuch that the processor directs the user via the direction indicator tochange the angular orientation of the viewing axis such that the viewingaxis is serially aligned with the multiple celestial coordinates of thecelestial object, thereby the user is provided with a tour of thecelestial object. In a still further aspect of the invention, the userinterface is adapted for the user to input a signal to the processor todirect the user via the direction indicator to change the angularorientation of the viewing axis from a current celestial coordinate to anext multiple celestial coordinate.

In a further aspect of the invention, there is a user interface adaptedfor the user to signal to the processor to identify a celestial objector celestial coordinates aligned with the viewing axis, wherein thedatabase is adapted for the processor to access the database for datarelated to the celestial object or the celestial coordinates. The userinterface is further adapted to announce to the user the celestialobject or the celestial coordinates. In a still further aspect of theinvention, the user interface is adapted for the user to signal to theprocessor through activating a manual switch or through an auditorycommand, and for the processor to announce to the user through a visualdisplay or a speaker.

In a further aspect of the invention, the database is adapted to bechanged by the user editing the database through a user interface of thedevice in functional communication with the processor, a plug-in moduleadapted to be in functional communication with the processor, or aninformation transfer system adapted to be in functional communicationwith the processor.

In an aspect of the invention, the location means comprises a userinterface adapted for the user to input location information to theprocessor, wherein the database is adapted to provide the processor withthe location data based on the inputted location information.

In an aspect of the invention, the time means comprises a time keepingdevice adapted to provide the time and date data to the processor.

In an aspect of the invention, the location means and the time meanscomprises a global positioning device adapted to provide the locationdata and the time and date data to the processor.

In an aspect of the invention, there is an output device for announcingthe elevation angle of the viewing axis, wherein the elevation angle isnadir angle minus 90 degrees. In an aspect of the invention, there is anoutput device for announcing a compass heading as a function of theazimuth angle and the nadir angle.

In an aspect of the invention, there are compensation instructionsreadable by the processor and/or compensation data in the database suchthat the processor compensates for procession, earth elongation,magnetic variation, parallax, nutation, or a combination thereof.

In an aspect of the invention, there is a temperature sensor adapted tointerface with and enable the processor to make thermal errorcompensations of the magnetic and gravitational sensors.

In an aspect of the invention, the database contains additional datarepresenting when a celestial object is visible to a naked eye at thelocation, the device further comprises an announcement devicefunctionally connected to the processor, and the processor is adapted toannounce through the announcement device the additional datarepresenting when the celestial object is visible to a user at thelocation. In an aspect of the invention, there is a celestial objectlocation device for use from a location at a time and a date comprising:

a. a housing comprising a viewing channel adapted for a user to observethrough the viewing channel and along a viewing axis to a position inthe sky aligned with the viewing axis, wherein the housing is adapted tobe held by the user while the user is observing through the viewingchannel;

b. a processor;

c. a 3-axis magnetic sensor adapted to provide the processor withazimuth data representing an azimuth angle of the viewing axis;

d. a 3-axis gravitational sensor adapted to provide the processor withnadir data representing a nadir angle of the viewing axis;

e. a location data input device adapted to provide the processor withlocation data representing the location of the celestial object locationdevice;

f. a time data input device adapted to provide the processor with timeand date data representing the time and date of a use of the device;

g. a user interface for inputting user data to the processor andannouncing information to the user;

h. a direction indicator adapted for the processor to announce throughthe direction indicator to the user directions for changing the angularorientation of the viewing axis; and

l. a database adapted to be accessed by the processor such that theprocessor, based on the azimuth data, the nadir angle, the locationdata, the time and date data, the user data, and the database, announcesto the user:

i) through the user interface an identification of a celestial objectaligned with the viewing axis;

ii) through the user interface celestial coordinates aligned with theviewing axis; or

iii) through the direction indicator directions for the user to changethe viewing axis based on user data comprising identification of acelestial object or a celestial coordinate.

In a further aspect of the invention, the processor is spaced apart fromthe housing.

In a further aspect of the invention, the direction indicator comprisesa circularly arranged series of illuminate-able arrows that are infunctional communication with the processor, the arrows being adaptedsuch that illuminated arrows are visible by the user observing throughthe viewing channel, and the direction indicator and the processor areadapted to illuminate at least a portion of the arrows such that a userchanges the angular orientation of the viewing axis based on theilluminated portion of the arrows.

In a further aspect of the invention, the database is, adapted to bechanged by the user editing the database through the user interface, aplug-in module adapted to be in functional communication with theprocessor, or an information transfer system adapted to be in functionalcommunication with the processor.

In an aspect of the invention, there is a process for observingcelestial objects comprising the steps of:

a. providing a user with a device for observing the celestial objectsalong a viewing axis;

b. identifying an azimuth angle of the viewing axis via a 3-axismagnetic sensor adapted to determine the azimuth angle;

c. identifying a nadir angle of the viewing axis via a 3-axisgravitational sensor adapted to determine the nadir angle; and

d. determining celestial coordinates of right ascension and declinationbased on the azimuth angle, the nadir angle, a location of the device,and a current time and date.

In a further aspect of the invention, the providing step furthercomprises a step of holding the device, the 3-axis magnetic sensor, andthe 3-axis gravitational sensor in a hand of the user. In a stillfurther aspect of the invention, the 3-axis magnetic sensor and the3-axis gravitational sensor are integral to the device.

In a further aspect of the invention, there is a step of directing aprocessor to receive data representing the azimuth angle, the nadirangle, the device location, and the current time and date, consult adatabase, and announce the celestial coordinates via an announcementdevice.

In a further aspect of the invention, there is the step of inputting toa processor an identification of a desired celestial object wherein theprocessor is also directed to perform the determining the celestialcoordinates step. Further, there is a step of directing the processor toannounce, via a direction indicator, instructions understandable to theuser concerning how to change the angular orientation of the viewingaxis until the desired celestial object is aligned with the viewingaxis. In a still further aspect of the invention, there is the step ofrepeating the directing the processor to announce step such that theuser is instructed to tour through portions of the desired celestialobject.

In a further aspect of the invention, there is the step of inputting toa processor a desired celestial coordinate wherein the processor is alsodirected to perform the determining the celestial coordinates step.There is also the step of directing the processor to announce via adirection indicator instructions concerning how to change the angularorientation of the viewing axis until the desired celestial coordinateis aligned with the viewing axis.

In an aspect of the invention, a process of observing a celestial objectcomprises the step of providing an embodiment of the invention describedin this disclosure and the step of updating the database with additionaldata concerning the celestial object such that a user of the devicedirects the processor to announce the directions to change the angularorientation of the viewing axis such that the viewing axis is alignedwith the celestial object via the direction indicator. In a furtheraspect of the invention, the updating step comprises, the step offunctionally connecting a plug-in module comprising the additional datato the device or the step of downloading the additional data to thedatabase via an information transfer system. The downloading step maycomprise the step of accessing the Internet to retrieve the additionaldata. Further, the accessing step comprises the step of purchasing theadditional data.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a schematic perspective view of a user identifying a celestialobject with a device according to an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 2 is a detail perspective view of the device shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a view through the device shown in FIG. 1 while observing acelestial object.

FIG. 4 is a schematic representation of the components of the deviceshown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 5 is a schematic view of an embodiment of the inventionincorporating a digital personal assistant.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTIONS

Referring now to the figures, wherein like reference numerals refer tolike elements throughout the figures, and specifically to FIG. 1, acelestial object location device (COL device) 10 is being used by a user12 to locate a celestial object 14. The COL device 10, according to theshown and a preferred embodiment of the invention, has a generallycylindrical housing 16 adapted to be hand-held. Other embodiments of theinvention may have housings of other shapes and may or may not behand-held. Non-limiting examples of such embodiments naturally includetelescopes, binoculars, eyepieces, headpieces, and any means for viewingobjects. Thus, different embodiments of the object location device canthemselves magnify distant objects. In the case of a headpiece, aretinal location sensing device can be used to further determine in whatdirection the user's eye is pointed. Thus, the user can simply look atan object and the object locator will then identify what the user islooking at.

The housing 16 of the COL device 10 has a first view port 18 that isheld proximate to the user 12 and a second view port 20 proximate to thecelestial object 14. During use, the view ports 18 and 20 are alignedbetween the user 12 and the celestial object 14 and the COL device 10 isadapted such that the user views the celestial object through the, COLdevice along a viewing axis 34.

Other embodiments of the invention may have an optical sensor that ispositioned to view the celestial object 14 and transmit an image fromthe optical sensor to a view screen such that the user observes theimage on the screen (not shown). In further embodiments of theinvention, the COL device 10 is mounted to a support or a frame and isadapted to be positioned mechanically, electronically, pneumatically, orby some other suitable means other than by direct manual manipulation(not shown). The positioning of the mounted COL device 10 may bedirected by the user through switches, by a functionally integratedcomputational device, or a combination of both. Still furtherembodiments of the invention may have the COL device 10 mounted to asupport or a frame and may be positioned through direct manualmanipulation, thereby providing stability to the device (not shown).

Referring now to FIG. 2, the COL device 10 comprises the housing 16, theview ports 18 and 20, and a data input/output interface (101) 30, and aviewing button or switch 32. A viewing axis 34 is shown extendingaxially through the cylindrical housing 16. The IOI 30 is comprised of adisplay screen 36 for displaying data, such as in the form of menus andresults, as explained further below. The IOI 30 also comprises aplurality of buttons or switches 38 for inputting data and commands,such as moving through menus on the display screen 36 and inputtingqueries. The viewing switch 32 is positioned and adapted to be easilyactivated by the user's thumb or finger when the user is observingthrough the COL device 10.

Referring now to FIG. 3, the COL device 10 is shown displaying the viewthe user has when the celestial object 14 is aligned with the viewingaxis 34 of the device 10. The user 12 is observing the object 14 througha viewing channel 46 that extends through the COL device 10. The viewingchannel 46 is defined by an interior surface 48 of the housing 16 in theshown embodiment. Further, the viewing channel 46 is bounded by the viewports 18 and 20.

Shown extending from the left side of the housing 16 is the IOI 30 andshown extending from the bottom of the housing is switch 32. Otherembodiments of the invention may have other configurations of the IOI 30and the switch 32.

Referring now to a viewing portion 40 of the COL device 10, a circularlyarranged series of illuminating directional arrows 42 are positionedadjacent to the interior surface 48 of the housing 16. The arrows 42 areilluminated as required to direct the positioning of the COL device 10during use. Eight arrows 42 are shown but other embodiments of theinvention may have more or less arrows. The size, shape, and number ofthe illuminating arrows 42 are not paramount to the function performed.Though there is a way for the COL device 10 to inform the user 12 of arequired change in viewing axis to align the device with a particularlocation in the sky and, therefore, the arrows 42 are directionindicators. There are many variations on color and shape of thedirection indicators as well. The illumination of the arrows 42 may beaccomplished by any suitable means, such as by LEDs or by fiber optics.In an embodiment of the invention, the arrows are not an overlayedimage. Other embodiments of the invention may have other suitable waysof informing the user how to direct the COL device 10, such as withilluminating dots or borders.

Embodiments of the invention have many variations on the operation ofthe arrows 42 or other suitable direction indicators. In embodiments ofthe invention, the arrows 42 blink at different rates, change color, orintensity depending on how far the user 12 has to angularly change, theviewing axis 34. For example, if the user 12 is very close to thedesired viewing axis position, the arrow or arrows 42 blink quickly andif the user were further away the arrow or arrows 42 may blink slowly.Other embodiments of the invention may use tactile, such as vibrational,or auditory means for announcing direction.

In another embodiment of the invention, once the viewing axis 34 isaligned with the desired celestial object 14, the arrows 42 may alllight up or blink. Still other embodiments of the invention may havedevices that announce visually, tactilely, or auditorily when thedesired angular position of the COL device 10 is achieved, such assounding a beep or synthesized voice.

A reticule 44 is centrally positioned in the viewing portion 40. Thereticule 44 is helpful in centering the COL device 10 on the celestialobject 14. Other embodiments of the invention may have other reticule orcross-hair designs or not have any means for centering the celestialobject 14. In still other embodiments of the invention, the reticule 44may be used to announce achievement of a desired angular position eitherby illuminating with more intensity, ceasing illumination, or flashing.

Referring now to FIG. 4, incorporated into the COL device 10 are anumber of other components to operate the device as shown in schematicrepresentation 50. In the shown embodiment, a processor 52 integratesthe components which comprise a 3-axis magnetic field sensor 54, a3-axis gravitational field sensor 56, a time keeping device 58, inputdevices 60, a celestial object database 62, illuminating arrows 64, anda display 66, which are arranged in a counterclockwise fashion startingat the top left corner of FIG. 4. In a preferred embodiment of theinvention, the components are incorporated into the housing 16 of theCOL device 10. The 3-axis magnetic field sensor and time keeping devicesare available from a variety of vendors. The 3-axis magnetic sensorcomprises a means for measuring a magnetic field. The 3-axis gravitationsensor comprises a three-axis accelerometer or comprises three separateorthogonal accelerometers, each aligned along one of the threeco-ordinate axes. In either embodiment the 3-axis gravitation sensorcomprises a means for detecting a gravitational field or a means fordetecting the nadir angle. Together, the 3-axis magnetic field sensorand the 3-axis gravitation sensor comprise a means for determining theorientation of the object locator and together the gravitation andmagnetic sensors produce orientation data reflecting the orientation ofthe object locator.

Alternatively, the 3-axis gravitation sensor (or 3 orthogonal singleaxis gravitation sensors) and the 3-axis magnetic field sensor can bereplaced with at least two gyroscopes, along with sensors capable ofmeasuring the change in inertia of the gyroscopes. The gyroscopes andinertial sensors comprise a means for measuring the inertia of theobject locator and also comprise a means for determining the orientationof the object locator. In addition, the gyroscopes and inertial sensorsproduce orientation data reflecting the orientation of the objectlocator. The means for measuring inertia is first calibrated using agravitational sensor, a magnetic sensor, or manually by the user. Then,as the user moves the object locator, the gyroscopes feel a force with avector proportionate to the direction of movement. This information canbe used to determine in which direction the object locator is pointing.Thus, the object locator can detect both the azimuth angle and the nadirangle. The means for measuring inertia is adapted to provide a processorwith azimuth data representing the azimuth angle and with nadir datarepresenting the nadir angle. The processor then uses both sets of datato calculate the values of right ascension and declination. Together thevalues of right ascension and declination, or the values of the azimuthangle and nadir angle, comprise orientation data. A processor thencompares the orientation data, along with the current time, the currentdate, and the position of the object locator on the Earth, to a databaseof objects in order to identify the object at which the locator ispointed.

In addition, the object locator uses at least one global positioningsatellite system reader to determine the location of the user. Onereader can determine the location of the user. However, the preciseorientation of the user may be determined with two or more readers.Thus, two readers can determine both the azimuth angle and nadir angle.Thus, one embodiment of the object locator replaces the data from themagnetic field sensors and the gravitational field sensors with the datagained from multiple global positioning satellite system readers. In anycase, at least one global positioning satellite system reader comprisesa means for locating the object locator. At least two global positioningsatellite system readers comprise a means for determining theorientation of the object locator and the at least two readers produceorientation data reflecting the orientation of the object locator.

Referring now to FIG. 5 as well, in other embodiments of the invention,a COL device 110 may comprise a portion external to the housing 116comprising one or more of the components, such as the processor 52and/or the database 62 residing in an auxiliary device 180 that is infunctional communication with the remainder of the components. Examplesof suitable auxiliary devices include a personal digital assistant, adesktop computer, or a laptop computer; however, embodiments of theinvention are not limited to these examples. Therefore, in embodimentsof the invention, the processor is spaced apart from the housing. Otherembodiments of the invention incorporate the time keeping device 58, theinput devices 60, and/or the display 66 into the auxiliary device 180.Still other embodiments of the invention have multiple auxiliarydevices. It is understood that the term “auxiliary device” in the belowclaims is to be interpreted as encompassing one or more auxiliarydevices.

In another embodiment of the invention, the configuration of the COLdevice 10 may not require the IOI 130 or the switch 132 and the inputand output of data may be accomplished by the auxiliary device 180. Inanother embodiment of the invention, the database 62 may be communicatedto through an information transfer system, such as a network system,connection to another database, or via the Internet 182. The componentsin the housing 16 and the auxiliary device 180 may be in functionalcommunication through a physical conduit 184 capable of data transfer,such as electrical or optical signal transfer media, or by a process notrequiring a physical conduit, such as processes utilizing infrared or RFtechnology, for example.

Referring back to FIG. 4, input devices 60 enable the user to input datainto the processor 52. In the embodiment of the invention shown in FIG.1, the input devices 60 correspond to the IOI switches 38 and the switch32. Other embodiments of the invention may have data input devices ofany suitable type, such as auditory for example, or the data inputdevices may be incorporated into the auxiliary device 180.

The processor 52 is in communication with the celestial object database62 in order to retrieve information, or at least one fact, aboutcelestial objects therefrom. The information in the databases of theembodiments of the invention may differ, but those skilled in the artunderstand the variety of information that may be in the database. Thedatabase 62 may also contain retrievable data for any other suitablepurpose, such as linking a geographical location with a latitude and alongitude coordinate.

The processor 52 analyzes the input from the sensors 54 and 56, thetimekeeping device 58, the input device 60, communicates with thedatabase 62 as required, and outputs information through the arrows 64and the display 66, which corresponds to the IOI display 36 of theembodiment shown in FIG. 1.

The processor 52 receives information from the magnetic field sensor 54and the gravitational field sensor 56 in order to calculate thedirection or vector that the COL device 10 is pointing. The vector is athree dimensional vector relative to the azimuth angle and the nadirangle of the COL device 10. The azimuth angle is the angle, betweenmagnetic north and the device pointing direction. The nadir angle is theangle between straight down into the earth and the device pointingdirection. The azimuth vector is determined using the magnetic fieldsensor 54 and the nadir angle is determined using the gravitationalfield sensor 56. The information from the sensors is processed by theprocessor 52 using means commonly known by those skilled in the art.

The 3-axis gravitational sensor 56 is used to determine the position ofthe nadir angle. The nadir angle is the three dimensional angle betweentwo particular vectors. The first vector is in the direction, which theviewing axis 34 is pointed. The second vector is pointing straight intothe ground, towards the center of mass of the earth. In a preferredembodiment of the invention, the 3-axis gravitational sensor will employa minimum of three individual accelerometers to determine the 3-axisgravitational field vector, although other embodiments of the inventionmay use devices other accelerometers. The accelerometers used must becapable of sensing a static force, in this case the earth'sgravitational force of 1 g. These types of accelerometers are readilyavailable devices offering ample precision to perform this function. Inan embodiment of the invention, the three individual accelerometers areoriented orthogonally (90 degrees) from each other in the x, Y, and Zplanes. Through common geometric calculations the individual readingsfrom the three accelerometers can be combined to yield the nadir angle.

Without at least three accelerometers in the 3-axis gravitational sensor56, in contradistinction to Norton which discloses the use of one or twoaccelerometers, there can be large errors in the accuracy of the COLdevice 10. These errors would be dependant on what angle the user 12held the COL device 10 and how they oriented the ‘roll’ axis of thedevice. In a device which only uses the earth's magnetic field, and theearth's gravitational field is used to sense orientation, the only wayto avoid these errors is by using 3-axis sensors for measuring themagnetic field and the gravitational field. These errors cannot beignored, as they may easily be larger than one field of view, that wouldrender the COL device 10 useless.

Once the direction vector of the COL device 10 is determined, theprocessor 52 uses longitude, latitude, local time and date data of theCOL device 10 to perform a translation of the device direction vectorinto celestial coordinates. In an embodiment of the invention, thelongitude and latitude data is manually input by the user via the inputdevices 60. The longitude and latitude may be in the form ofcoordinates, but may also may be indirectly input by the user 12entering another geographical indicator into the COL device 10, such asa town, county, zip code, portion of a state, state, or region of thecounty, in which case the database 62 or another database contains theinformation to assist in determining the longitude and latitude of thedevice 10. The local time and date may be inputted manually as well, butin a preferred embodiment of the invention, the time keeping device 58inputs this information to the processor 52.

In another embodiment of the invention, the COL device 10 includes aglobal positioning system receiver (not shown) or any other suitabledevice for automatically inputting the longitude, latitude, time anddate information, or portions thereof, to the processor 52.

The processor takes the direction vector information, received from thesensors 54 and 56, the time and date information from the time keepingdevice 58, and the information from the user via the input devices 60.This information is used by the processor 52 to perform a search againstthe database to determine the celestial coordinates of right ascensionand declination to which the viewing axis 34 is pointing. Embodiments ofthe invention have one or numerous functions to perform at this point,as discussed below.

Identification of a Celestial Object.

Referring now to all the figures, the user 12 points the COL device 10to a celestial object 14 whose identification is desired. Morespecifically, the user aligns the center of the viewing portion 40 withthe celestial object 14, such that the viewing axis 34 is aligned withthe object 14. The user activates the switch 32 to input to theprocessor 52 that the object 14 has been located. The processor 52 thenreceives the data from the sensors 54 and 56, the time and locationdata, consults the database 62, and displays on the screen 36 theinformation about the celestial object 14.

Location of a Celestial Object

Another common mode of operation that the COL device 10 supports is tohelp the user 12 locate the celestial object 14 in the sky. For example,if the user 12 wants to know where Saturn is currently located theywould use the “locate” mode. To locate the desired celestial object, theoperator selects Saturn from a list of available objects via the IOI 30.Then, the user 12 views through the COL device 10. The processor 52directs the user to change the orientation of the COL device via theillumination of the arrows 42. For example, if the viewing axis 34 needsto be oriented more vertically and to the left, the arrows 42 in theupper left quadrant of the view portion 40 will light up. Once thedesired celestial object, Saturn, is aligned with the viewing axis 34,all of the arrows 42 will not be illuminated, may blink or the devicemay utilize another suitable device for announcing to the user 12 thatalignment has occurred.

In an embodiment of the invention, the COL device 10 may track theecliptic for the user. An example of an ecliptic is the plane of theearth's orbit as it forms an imaginary arc across the sky duringrotation about the sun. This arc can be traced using the illuminatedarrows 42 as a guide. Further embodiments of the invention may trackpaths of other celestial objects, such as comets and satellites.

Tours of Constellations and Sky Tours

Since many constellations cover large areas of the sky and includemultiple stars, an embodiment of the COL device 10 gives a tour of theconstellation. In an embodiment of the invention, the constellation ischosen and input through the IOI 30. The COL device 10, through thearrows 42 directs the user 12 to align the viewing axis 34 with thebrightest star in the constellation. Once the alignment is achieved andthe COL device 10 indicates it, the user activates the switch 32, andCOL device directs the user to the next brightest star in theconstellation. This process continues until the stars of theconstellation have all been aligned with the viewing axis 34 in a serialfashion, from a current celestial coordinate associated with a currentcelestial object to a next celestial coordinate associated with a nextcelestial object. Similarly, sky tours of celestial objects may also beincluded in an embodiment of the invention, such as a sky tour of theZodiac constellations.

The tutorial in the database may contain information for stars andplanets expected to be located with the device, and this information mayinclude astronomical, astrological, or mythological stories fromwell-developed astrological and mythological bodies of information frommany different cultures, such as ancient Greek, Mexican, Chinese,Indian, Babylonian, Egyptian, and North American Indian cultures, oreven new fictional mythologies from science fiction or game databases.To access the astronomical, astrological, or mythological databaseinformation (or correlated information to a given object), a user havingonce located and sighted a star, planet, or other celestial object caninitiate playback of audio data with a simple trigger, and a computerassociated with the device and the database can first determine thecelestial object sighted (from the orientation data), and then activatea switch, such as further activation of switch 32 or activation of anadditional switch so as to initiate audio playback of information in theastrological or mythological database relevant to the celestial objectsighted. The audio playback is accomplished by a speaker or other meansfor playing audio data. Additionally, the trigger may be an automatedtrigger initiated by the devices' alignment on a celestial object ofinterest. Alternatively, the trigger can initiate a video playback ofcorrelated information on a display mounted on the object locator,external to the object locator (if connected to another means fordisplaying video), or within the object locator's viewing axis.

Other Modes of Operation

Embodiments of the invention may have several other modes of operationwhich are possible based on the instrumentation in the COL device 10.The COL device 10 may function as a digital compass and display thecompass heading. In an embodiment of the invention, the COL device 10uses both the azimuth and nadir data to compensate for when the COLdevice is not held parallel to the ground.

The COL device 10 may function as an elevation angle instrument, anddisplay the elevation angle. The COL device 10 may display the celestialcoordinates to which it is pointed. This last mode of operation isuseful for an astronomer who has the celestial coordinates of an object(from a table or chart) which is not already in the device's database.The COL device 10 may display the date and time in various timestandards including local, UT or GMT times.

In other embodiments of the invention, the COL device 10 may perform aseries of compensations to improve the accuracy of the instrument. Theseinclude but are not limited to: procession (earth axis wobble), earthelongation (earth not completely circular), magnetic variation(difference between true north pole and magnetic north pole), parallax(error in celestial coordinates due to earth orbit), and nutation (earthaxis “nodding” on processional circle). Embodiments of the invention mayinclude a temperature sensor for thermal error compensation of themagnetic and gravitational sensor arrays. The processor may compensatefor unstable shaky hands of the operator in some embodiments of theinvention.

An embodiment of the device may enable the database 62 to be updatedwith new information concerning celestial objects and the currentmagnetic pole location. This would be particularly useful for trackingartificial satellites where orbital elements can change based on missionrequirements, for example, the Mir space station, the InternationalSpace Station, and the Hubble Space Telescope. This would also be usefulfor newly launched artificial satellites placed in orbit after the unitis in the field. For example, the Space Shuttle: This would also beuseful for newly discovered celestial objects like comets and asteroids.Adding information about these celestial objects to the database may beaccomplished by user entry, through an expansion chip or another type ofplug-in module, or electronically, for example downloading from anothercomputer through direct connection, over a telephone line, or viaanother type of information transfer system, such as a network or theInternet. For example, a modem port would allow the device to plug intothe phone system, call a number, and update the database and magneticnorth pole position online after the device was fielded. In anotherexample, a wired or wireless connection to the internet or otherinformation network would allow the user to download information about aparticular star not initially in the locator's database or about aconstellation of stars on a real time basis. Moreover, in conjunctionwith a telescope or binoculars, the internet connection may expand thelocator's database; thus allowing the locator to find or identifyobjects difficult or impossible to see with the naked eye (such asfainter stars, comets, the space station, deep sky objects, orgeographical locations on the moon).

Other embodiments of the invention, the COL device 10 would either comewith astronomy tutorials in the database 62, in another database, in aplug-in module, downloadable from another computer either directly, overthe telephone lines, or via another type of information transfer system,such as a network or the Internet. Thus, the database could be locatedpartially or completely external to the device and accessed in real timeduring operation. In a similar fashion, downloadable constellation toursand sky tours may also be available in some embodiments of theinvention.

In another embodiment of the invention, the COL device 10 could includecalculations well known to those skilled in the art for notifying theoperator of the next naked eye viewing opportunity for artificialsatellites. For example the user could choose the International SpaceStation, then the COL device 10 could inform them of the next time theInternational Space Station would be visible with the naked eye.

In another embodiment of the invention, the COL device 10 may include areflex viewer which would superimpose an illuminated reticule anddirection indicators in the viewing area, allowing for the user 12 tohold the device further out from the eye. This would also prevent theuser from observing through the viewing channel 46 too far off parallelto the viewing axis 34.

The COL device 10 is not limited to being of a hand-held size and thereare many possible interpretations of hand-held size. In addition the COLdevice 10 may function on a much larger or smaller scale so the scope ofthe embodiments of the invention should not be limited to that of ahand-held size.

In alternative embodiments of the invention, the COL device 10 may haveother input/output devices, other switches, other locations thereof, andmany variations thereof, for example in number, arrangement, size, andtype, including options wherein there are no input/output devices orswitches on the housing 16. Non-limiting examples of such input/outputdevices naturally include telescopes, binoculars, or other means forviewing objects. Any input/output device may be mounted on the objectlocator, the object locator may be mounted on the input/output device,the object locator may be electrically or otherwise physically connectedto the input/output device, or the object locator may be connected tothe input/output device via a wired or wireless connection.

In another embodiment of the invention, a viewer or reflex viewer couldbe located outside the housing 16 in such a manner so as the user 12 maystill sight parallel to the viewing axis.

In addition, a plurality of object locators, comprising student or slavedevices, may be connected either by a cable or a wireless connection toa single object locator, comprising a teacher or master device. Theorientation of the teacher device is relayed to the student devices,thus the student devices can point to the same object at which theteacher device is pointed. Note that it is possible to include adatabase only with the teacher device, thus reducing the expense of thestudent devices.

Another version of the device can be used as a means for locating a useron the Earth. In this embodiment the device does not have a globalpositioning satellite system reader and is thus less expensive. The userpoints the object locator at several known stars. The orientationinformation is then fed to the processor in tandem with the time anddate. The processor then calculates, by triangulation, the currentposition of the user on the Earth.

Note that the object locator is capable of identifying non-celestialobjects. For example, the object locator can use a database representinga topographical map. Thus, when the user points the locator at anobject, such as a mountain peak, the locator identifies the object andmay announce various facts about the object such as the object's heightor name. In addition, the object locator can announce the currentposition of the user either on a particular map or on the Earth.

While the above description contains many specifics, these should not beconstrued as limitations on the scope of the device, but rather as anexemplification of one preferred embodiment thereof many othervariations are possible. Thus, while the preferred embodiments of thedevices and methods have been described in reference to the environmentin which they were developed, they are merely illustrative of theprinciples of the inventions. Other embodiments and configurations maybe devised without departing from the spirit of the inventions and thescope of the appended claims.

I claim:
 1. A device for viewing an object, where the device is at aparticular position on the Earth, at a time, and on a date, said devicecomprising: a means for viewing the object, said means for viewing theobject having a viewing axis; a processor; a means for determining theorientation of the device operably connected to the means for viewingthe object, said means for determining the orientation of the deviceproviding, to the processor, orientation data representing theorientation of the viewing axis; a means for providing position data,representing the position of the device on the Earth, to the processor;a means for providing time and date data, representing the time anddate, to the processor; and a database operatively connected to theprocessor, said database containing data representing at least one factregarding each of a plurality of objects and data representing thelocation of each of the plurality of objects when observed from aparticular position on the Earth, at a particular viewing axisorientation, at a particular time, and on a particular date.
 2. Thedevice of claim 1 wherein the processor is capable of providing the atleast one fact regarding the object when the orientation data, locationdata, time data, and date data match the database data for a particularobject.
 3. The device of claim 1, wherein the processor is programmed torespond to input regarding the orientation data, retrieve correlatedinformation from the database, and transmit the correlated informationto a speaker.
 4. The device of claim 1, wherein the processor isprogrammed to respond to input regarding the orientation data, retrievecorrelated information from the database, and transmit the correlatedinformation to a visual display.
 5. The device of claim 2 wherein the atleast one fact is the name of the object.
 6. The device of claim 2further comprising: a speaker for playing audio data, said speakeroperably connected to the processor; wherein the database contains audiodata representing the at least one fact, and wherein the processor iscapable of providing the audio data to the speaker such that a userhears an audio playback of the at least one fact.
 7. The device of claim1 further comprising: direction indicators disposed within the means forviewing the object, said direction indicators operably connected to theprocessor; wherein the direction indicators are operable to indicate thedirection in which the means for viewing the object must be moved inorder to orient the viewing axis towards a particular object selectedfrom the plurality objects in the database.
 8. The device of claim 7further comprising: a speaker for playing audio data, said speakeroperably connected to the processor; wherein the database contains audiodata representing the at least one fact, and wherein the processor iscapable of providing the audio data to the speaker such that a userhears an audio playback of the least one fact.
 9. A device for viewingfrom a location at a time and date comprising: a viewing means toobserve along a viewing axis defined by an azimuth angle and a nadirangle; a processor; at least two gyroscopes operably connected to theviewing means and to the processor, said gyroscopes adapted to providethe processor with data representing the change in orientation of theviewing axis, wherein the processor therein uses the data representingthe change in orientation of the viewing axis to calculate azimuth datarepresenting the azimuth angle and nadir data representing the nadirangle; a location means for providing location data representing thelocation to the processor; a time means for providing time and date datarepresenting the time and date to the processor; and a database adaptedto be accessed by the processor and provide data such that the processordetermines celestial coordinates of right ascension and declinationcorresponding to the viewing axis based on the azimuth data, the nadirdata, the location data, and the time and date data.
 10. The device ofclaim 9 further comprising: a speaker for playing audio data, saidspeaker operably connected to the processor; wherein the databasecontains audio data representing at least one fact regarding an objectat which the viewing axis points, and wherein the processor is capableof providing the audio data to the speaker such that a user hears anaudio playback of the at least one fact.
 11. A device for viewing from alocation at a time and date comprising: a viewing means to observe alonga viewing axis defined by an azimuth angle and a nadir angle; aprocessor; at least two global positioning satellite system readersoperably connected to the viewing means and to the processor, whereinthe processor determines the orientation of the readers with respect toeach other and thereafter uses the orientation of the readers withrespect to each other to calculate azimuth data representing the azimuthangle and nadir data representing the nadir angle; a location means forproviding location data representing the location to the processor; atime means for providing time and date data representing the time anddate to the processor; and a database adapted to be accessed by theprocessor and provide data such that the processor determines celestialcoordinates of right ascension and declination corresponding to theviewing axis based on the azimuth data, the nadir data, the locationdata, and the time and date data.
 12. The device of claim 11 furthercomprising: a speaker for playing audio data, said speaker operablyconnected to the processor; wherein the database contains audio datarepresenting at least one fact regarding an object at which the viewingaxis points, and wherein the processor is capable of providing the audiodata to the speaker such that a user hears an audio playback of the atleast one fact.